New Milford considers creation of Parks Board

With major park improvement projects in the works, New Milford borough may see the creation of a new board created to handle those endeavors.

Council members were in agreement at Thursday’s meeting that an official Parks and Recreation Board would allow for a higher level of accountability.

A volunteer-based Parks Association has shouldered much of the fundraising efforts to date for improvement projects, such as the walking trail and concession stand.

The Constitution Pipeline recently awarded a $25,000 grant for upgrades needed at the New Milford pool.

While still comprised of community volunteers Councilman Larry White said a Parks Board would take the weight of the projects off of the shoulders of one or two people.

Councilman Rick Ainey said he believed a board would be required to keep an official record of its meetings.

“There’s more transparency which is a good thing,” said Councilman Ken Carey, who has also served as the president of the Parks Association.

Council President Teri Gulick said she received a telephone call from a current Parks Association member who asked to be appointed to the board if one was created in the borough.

Gulick said the resident said he thought he could be more involved in the projects and would have a better understanding of what is taking place.

Carey said, “It creates a sound process.”

Ainey suggested council check with its solicitor to see what steps are required by council to form the board.

Council also offered its thanks to Richard DeAngelis who used his snowblower to clear the walking track on two occasions during recent snowfalls.

The earned income tax went into effect in the borough on Jan. 1.

Representatives from Berkheimer Associates, the earned income tax collector in Susquehanna County, will be on hand Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. to answer questions about the tax.

The informational meeting is specifically targeted for business owners but New Milford residents are also welcome to attend to have any of their questions answered as well.

A notice of violation was sent to the owner of a Peck Hill property under the nuisance ordinance for a burned out house; the same property owner also received a nuisance order violation for a property on Montrose St.

And council members said another borough resident had not complied with a court order to have campers placed on blocks.

A proposed driveway permit ordinance is in the hands of the solicitor for review.

Borough secretary Amy Hine said someone had expressed concern regarding parking at a building that was blocking a sidewalk.

Annual appointments were made by council.

Attorney Michael Briechle was reappointed as solicitor for the borough in a 5-1 vote.

Ainey cast the lone dissenting vote against the reappointment saying, “I have no problem with his ability” but that he thought the attorney had, at times, taken “liberties without the direction of council.”